“I brought For breakfast. We had plenty left over, plus I wanted him to have enough for tomorrow morning. He has to be ready for his new job.”
“Congrats,” I offered Forest. I figured he’d gotten it. He could do much better. Plus, there was the fact I hated him working there. What if someone drove by and shot up the place, thinking JJ was there? What if they came through the door and held a gun to Forest’s head? What if?—
“Sheldon,” Vail said gently.
I blinked, my mind clearing. He had his hand on my arm. I hadn’t noticed him come close. “Sorry.” Looking down, I realized my hands were balled into fists, my short nails leaving half-moon shapes on my palms.
“He’ll be safe there. Jordan assured us there haven’t been any incidents in quite some time. Greer also updated their security system.” Ah, right. Greer was one of the men JJ was in a committed relationship with. He was a genius with tech.
“I’d give the whole I can take care of myself speech, but I’m not comfortable handling a gun.” Forest shrugged.
“I can teach you to do so safely,” I said. “That way, you’d be protected.”
“I’m not worried. You saw the size of Keith, right?” Lovely. The thought of another man protecting Forest did wonders for me.
“While I’d love to continue to witness whatever is happening here, if I’m not back soon, Jordan will come looking,” Vail interrupted, his smile still in place. “There’s more than enough for both of you. French toast, bacon, sausage, pancakes, and fresh blueberries.”
Forest clapped Vail on the shoulder. “Thanks, V. You spoil me.”
“You’re my best friend. Plus, I spoil everyone with food.” He winked and walked to the door, seeing himself out. There was no doubt that Oleander was waiting downstairs for him.
“Will you stay for breakfast?” Forest asked shyly. He was a different person when it was only two of us. I reveled in it. Not so much his shyness, even though it was cute as hell, but that he wasn’t the same with me. I got to see a different side of him.
“I have the day off. I’m not leaving until you kick me out.”
“I guess you’ll be here for a while then.”
“If I’d known Ollie was bringing Vail over, I would have asked him to pack a change of clothes for me.”
The door opened, Vail sticking his head in. “Ollie asked me to give you this, Sheldon.” He placed a duffel bag on the floor and left.
I chuckled. “Of course he did.”
“I’d ask how he knew, but he’s your best friend,” Forest said. “I have that with Vail.”
“They know us too well.”
“They do. There’s a lot of comfort in that. Let’s eat, then you can shower or not. I don’t want you to think you smell. You don’t,” he rushed. “Fuck’s sake. Why am I like this?”
I couldn’t resist the pull and crossed the room until I stood in front of him. He had his chin dipped down, so I put my finger beneath it and lifted his face until he looked me in the eye. “I think it’s endearing. I love seeing a side of you others don’t.”
“Really?”
“Yeah.”
He blew out a breath. “Can I…”
“Anything?”
“I’d like to hug you.”
Instead of responding with words, I pulled him into my arms. He readily held me back. “You never have to ask if you can touch me. You’re one of the few people who can do so anytime you want. I mean that.”
“Ollie is another?”
“He is and his parents.”
Forest tucked his face against my neck. “Thank you.”
